Healthcare associated infections
Healthcare-associated infections can happen during healthcare delivery in hospitals, residential facilities, outpatient services and even in a patient's home.
HSE services and information
How to wash your hands
Help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Learn how to protect yourself and others from infection.
Antibiotic resistance
Bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Find out why some common antibiotics do not work as well as they used to.
Under the weather
A lot of everyday illnesses do not need antibiotics. Learn how to look after yourself and your family when you’re sick.
Norovirus
Norovirus is the most common tummy bug in Ireland. It's known as the 'vomiting bug' and spreads easily from person-to-person.
MRSA
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It's a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
C. diff
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) are bacteria (bugs) that live in the gut. C. diff spreads more easily inside a hospital.
CPE
CPE (Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales) are bacteria (bugs) that live in the gut.
ESBLs
ESBLs (Extended-spectrum Betalactamase) are common antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as 'superbugs'.
VRE
VRE are a type of superbug. This means that some antibiotics once used to treat them no longer work very well.
IV line infection
An intravenous (IV) line is used to give you blood, fluid or medicine. An IV line can make it easier for harmful bugs to spread.
Urinary catheter infection
A urinary catheter is a small plastic tube that passes into your bladder. A catheter can make it easier for harmful bugs to spread.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat some bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing.